When Tanya Rice dropped off some dog food at Newark Neighbours’ food bank this week, she found the pet-food shelves almost empty — and knew her rescue group had to act fast.
Rice, founder of the Community Initiative for Animal Rescue, is leading a porch-drop pet food drive over Canada Day weekend at 456 Line 2 Rd. to help restock supplies. Drop-off hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.
All proceeds will go directly to the pet pantry. Donations are what allow the group to keep making a difference for animals in need, said Rice.
As an alternative to porch dropping, Rice said residents who already shop at Pet Valu in Virgil don’t even need to change their routine to donate — any purchased items or gift cards can be left at the counter for CIFAR volunteers to collect.
The group is also running a separate raffle at Husky Travel Centre right now, to raise funds for another local animal-related cause, to be selected by group members before July 6.
Starting today, tickets are available for $2 each or three for $5 at Husky. The draw will take place on July 12.
“Husky’s is one of our biggest supports as a corporate sponsor,” said Rice in a message. “We’re always grateful.”
The first-place prize is a summer cooler bag worth $80 packed with barbecue essentials — from Angus burgers and brioche buns to a soft frisbee pool toy and a bubble wand. The second-place winner will take home a $35 bocce ball lawn-game set.
Group member Erika Buchkowsky and her husband, Bob, celebrated his 80th birthday at Husky’s on Friday, the day the raffle launched, and Rice said that instead of presents, Bob asked for donations to the group.
People can follow the group on Facebook and Instagram at @cifar2024 for updates on the drive and raffle.
